Uncategorized

Dare I say it? Are you already making for the festive season. Seriously I think you might be. I know it seems madder than mad, but I have been designing Christmas treats since May. Can you imagine?

It is worth me pointing you in the direction of two of my patterns. Firstly I have an adorable Project bag – the Dorothy Granny Square Bag which is published in the month’s Inside Crochet Magazine. If you admired my Beach Bag back in July, then indeed I am so sorry I have not written up the pattern yet. Don’t despair. This little beauty will be right up your street. Plus it uses glorious Stylecraft Special Aran.

So chunky and quick to make. I saw that a few people had commented and and said it would make a great Christmas present. ‘Good point – well made’. So do swing by and pick up a copy.

Quick Stockings

Also worth mentioning is the Christmas Stocking Crochet along in Lets Get Crafting – Knitting and Crochet magazine. Each month in the run up to Christmas will release quick and easy 8 stocking designs. Rather fabulously you can download the first eight patterns from their website. As I am writing now I am getting excited for the weekend and the opportunity to pick up my hook!

If you have a favourite festive pattern please do tell me. I would love to know. Have a great weekend x

Save

For all of us there are some colours that really appeal. They may have memories attached to them. They might be colours that make your complexion sing. They might have an ancient symbolism. When I am designing, there are some colour combinations which I keep returning to. Top of my list is Duck Egg and Red. I simply adore this pairing, it speaks to me of the simplicity, of vintage hues and cheery summer colours. Coastal seas and bright deck chairs. Cornish blue with polka dot red. Village Church Hall crockery and gingham table clothes. Time and time again this double act reoccurs in my work. Whilst I dabble in trendy yellow and grey, teal and copper, duck egg and red are the tones you will find in my home.

Over December and into the New Year I have taken a crochet break and exercised my knitting skills. I have been working on a fairisle cardigan, worked in the round with a yoke. I quite happily could have gone with the blue, white and red traditional colours for this Norweigan pattern. Instead I turned to my favoured palette for a bit of a change (not). I promise that I will share with you my finished cardigan.

It has been quite an adventure. However at the same time I have decided to make a knitted mitred square blanket. The vintage crochet blanket in Granny Squares Home has proved so popular that I felt it was only fair to try and make an equivalent vintage pattern which was knitted. Happy colours to brighten up the winter days. What are you favourite colour combination?

Save

Save

Save

Save

Dear Lovelies, once again I have been thinking about the end of year pressies for valiant teachers. I thought that in a few weeks I would do my round up of makes I have thrust upon unsuspecting teachers. However if you are a teacher or work in a school, what do you welcome at the end of term? What is best to avoid? I would love to know. Please leave your top tips in the comments below – thank you in advance x

Save

Ben Fox is getting a little bit excited about some news due out tomorrow! He can hardly contain himself and he also needs your help. So if you have loved and enjoyed his book ‘Cute Crocheted Animals’ will you pop back into the blog to hear what he has got to tell you?

In the meantime, don’t forget I have recorded you some video tutorials with some of the specific crochet techniques. Ben was the model for these videos and is now finished in his jaunty green outfit.

I am excited to tell you that I will guest blogging on the great hobby website – Creative Rox. Starting right at the beginning of how to crochet, I will be sharing a new photo tutorial each month.

Pop over to the blog site today and have a peek at my first project for absolute beginners.